BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) - The Sun Belt Conference has suspended Western Kentucky safety Jonathan Dowling for one game following his ejection from the Hilltoppers' win against Southern Mississippi.

WKU appealed Monday's suspension and spokesman Chris Glowacki says the conference will rule on the appeal by Tuesday afternoon.

Dowling was ejected from the Hilltoppers' win after a helmet-to-helmet hit on Southern Miss receiver Tyre Bracken following his third-quarter touchdown reception.

If upheld, Dowling will sit out Saturday's conference opener at defending champion Arkansas State. Former starter Kareem Peterson will start in his place against the Red Wolves.

Dowling has four interceptions this season for WKU (3-1).